UN rights chief calls for probe into killings in Indian-held Kashmir

Regretting India's lack of response to the UN's request for access to its controlled part of Kashmir, the United Nations human rightschief said Tuesday that international probe into killings in Indian-held Kashmir is a must now.

In his remarks at the opening session of the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said the deteriorating situation in Indian-held Kashmir has made it crucial to establish an independent and impartial international mission.

In a separate development, Pakistan welcomed the UN human rightschief request for a visit by a fact-finding mission to the violence-hit valley to assess human rights situation.

Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria appreciated Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein on raising the issue of the use of excessive force by Indian authorities in the disputed state in the latter's opening statement to the 33rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

"We strongly support the high commissioner's position that a UN human rights team should visit Indian-held Kashmir to independently investigate the grave human rights violations being perpetrated by Indian occupation forces, resulting in the killing of more than 90 civilians and 8000 injured, including those with severe pellet gun injuries," said the spokesperson.

Nafees Zakaria said the visit by the UN human rights team would help end the culture of impunity which is prevailing for more than 68 years in Indian-held Kashmir, in violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions.

"We note the high commissioner's statement that he awaits a formal letter from India for access to held Kashmir," said the spokesperson. He also urged India to respond to the UN human rightschief 's request.